Pipe machining apparatuses and methods of operating the same

ABSTRACT

Pipe machining apparatuses are provided. In some aspects, a pipe machining apparatus may include a hinge to allow two sections of the pipe machining apparatus to move relative to one another. In another aspect, a support member may be provided to support a pipe machining apparatus on a surface. In a further aspect, a support member may be provided that allows lifting of a pipe machining apparatus in either a horizontal position or a vertical position.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of co-pending U.S.Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/007,928, filed Jan. 27,2016, which is a divisional of U.S. Non-Provisional patent applicationSer. No. 13/798,782, filed Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,278,417,issued Mar. 8, 2016, which claims the priority benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/750,445, filed Jan. 9, 2013, allof which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to pipe machining apparatusesand, more particularly, to split frame pipe machining apparatuses formachining large diameter pipes.

BACKGROUND

A variety of different types of pipe machining apparatuses exist toperform various machining processes on pipes. One such process includescutting pipes. Large diameter pipes may be cut with a split frame pipemachining apparatus, which includes two frame halves that surround thepipe from respective sides and are coupled together around the pipe.Such a pipe cutter includes a tool or cutting device that encircles thepipe and moves toward the pipe in small increments during the cuttingprocess in order to slowly cut into the pipe. Eventually, after manysmall increments of adjustment toward the pipe, the pipe will becompletely cut.

Existing pipe cutting apparatuses may be large in size, heavy, andcontain multiple components, thereby making it difficult to assemble andmanipulate the pipe cutting apparatus. Moreover, such pipe cuttingapparatuses may be difficult to position around a pipe.

Furthermore, due to the roller bearings between the tool carrier and theframe of pipe machining apparatuses, the tool carrier may move relativeto the frame during assembly and set up of pipe machining apparatuses.Prior to assembly of the sections or halves of the pipe machiningapparatus, the sections of pipe machining apparatus have open ends andthe sections of the tool carrier may undesirably slide off of the framesections.

Additionally, split frame pipe machining apparatuses are limited in themanners that they can couple to pipes. The components utilized to couplethe pipe machining apparatuses to pipes have limitations that do notprovide a wide variety of functionality.

Pipe machining apparatuses include a plurality of bearings between thetool carrier and the frame to facilitate movement of the tool carrierrelative to the frame and the pipe. Such bearings undergo significantstresses and oftentimes prematurely wear due to improper lubrication.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is defined by the following claims, and nothingin this section should be taken as a limitation on those claims.

In one aspect, a pipe machining apparatus is provided and includes afirst section including a first portion of a frame and a first portionof a tool carrier and a second section including a second portion of theframe and a second portion of the tool carrier. The first section andthe second section are adapted to be coupled together around at least aportion of a pipe. The frame is adapted to be fixed relative to the pipeand the tool carrier is adapted to move relative to the frame and thepipe. The pipe machining apparatus also including a hinge coupled to thefirst section and the second section. The hinge is adapted to allowmovement of the first section and the second section relative to eachother about the hinge.

In another aspect, a support member for a pipe machining apparatus isprovided. The support member includes a coupling member adapted toengage and couple the support member to the pipe machining apparatus, abody coupled to and extending from the coupling member, and a padcoupled to the body and adapted to engage a surface upon which tosupport the pipe machining apparatus.

In a further aspect, a pipe machining apparatus is provided and includesa frame adapted to be coupled to and fixed relative to a pipe, a toolcarrier coupled to and moveable relative to the frame and the pipe, anda support member coupled to the frame. The support member includes afirst flange defining a first aperture therein and a second flangedefining a second aperture therein. The support member is adapted to becoupled to a lifting mechanism to lift the pipe machining apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure can be better understood with reference to the followingdrawings and description. The components in the figures are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of an exemplary pipe machiningapparatus, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top rear perspective view of the pipe machining apparatusillustrated in FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a portion of the pipe machining apparatusillustrated in FIG. 1 with a portion thereof broken away to show meshingof pinion gears and a gear rack of the pipe machining apparatus, inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the pipe machining apparatusillustrated in FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of a plurality of support members ofthe pipe machining apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1, in accordance withone embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of one of the support membersillustrated in FIG. 5, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the support member illustrated in FIG. 6,in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the support member and a portion ofthe pipe machining apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1, the cross-section istaken along a plane parallel to a longitudinal extent of the supportmember and through a center of the support member, in accordance withone embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary coupling member of thepipe machining apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 shown in a first positionfor coupling the pipe machining apparatus to an outer surface of a pipe,in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling member illustrated inFIG. 9, the cross-section is taken along a plane parallel to alongitudinal extent of the coupling member and through a center of thecoupling member, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of another exemplary coupling memberof the pipe machining apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 shown in a firstposition for coupling the pipe machining apparatus to an outer surfaceof a pipe, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the coupling member illustrated inFIG. 11 shown in a second position for coupling the pipe machiningapparatus to an inner surface of a pipe, in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of the pipe machiningapparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 shown with a portion of the pipemachining apparatus broken away to illustrate a locking member, inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the locking member illustrated in FIG.13, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the pipe machiningapparatus and the locking member illustrated in FIG. 13, in accordancewith one embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a bearing assembly of the pipemachining apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1, the cross-section is takenalong a plane parallel to a longitudinal extent of the bearing assemblyand through a center of the bearing assembly, in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 16 of the bearingassembly and illustrates an exemplary oil flow as represented bydirectional arrows, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an exemplary support member of the pipemachining apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1, in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the support member illustrated in FIG.18, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 20 is another perspective view of the support member illustrated inFIG. 18, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 21 is an elevational view of an exemplary rigging positionassociated with one section of the pipe machining apparatus illustratedin FIG. 1, the section of the pipe machining apparatus is oriented in avertical position, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of another exemplary rigging positionassociated with one section of the pipe machining apparatus illustratedin FIG. 1, the section of the pipe machining apparatus is oriented in ahorizontal position, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 23 is an elevational view of a further exemplary rigging positionassociated with two sections of the pipe machining apparatus illustratedin FIG. 1, the two sections of the pipe machining apparatus are orientedin a vertical position, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a top perspective view of still another exemplary riggingposition associated with two sections of the pipe machining apparatusillustrated in FIG. 1, the two sections of the pipe machining apparatusare oriented in a horizontal position, in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 25 is a top perspective view of still a further exemplary riggingposition associated with the entire pipe machining apparatus illustratedin FIG. 1, the pipe machining apparatus is oriented in a horizontalposition, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a top perspective view of a hinge of the pipe machiningapparatus illustrated in FIG. 1, the hinge is shown in a coupledposition, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 27 is an elevational view of the hinge and the pipe machiningapparatus illustrated in FIG. 26, the hinge is shown in an uncoupledposition, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 28 is an elevational view of the hinge and the pipe machiningapparatus shown in a separated and vertical position to enable the pipemachining apparatus to be placed around a pipe, in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 29 is an enlarged elevational view of the hinge and a portion ofthe pipe machining apparatus in the separated position, in accordancewith one embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an exemplary pad and a portion of acoupling member, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 31 is an exploded view of the pad illustrated in FIG. 30, inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 32-32 in FIG. 30, inaccordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, an exemplary embodiment of a pipe machiningapparatus 20 adapted to machine pipes of varying diameters isillustrated. In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus 20 completelycuts through pipes. In other exemplary embodiments, the apparatus 20prepares an end of a pipe for coupling to another pipe. In still otherexemplary embodiments, the apparatus 20 both completely cuts andprepares a pipe for coupling to another pipe. The apparatus 20 isadapted to cut pipes of a variety of different diameters such as, forexample, about 60 inches, about 75 inches, about 90 inches, about 105inches, about 120 inches, less than 60 inches, greater than 120 inches,or any other pipe diameter.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, pipe machining apparatus 20 isformed of four joined-together sections 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D and includesa frame 28 and a tool carrier 32. A portion of the frame 28 and the toolcarrier 32 are included in each section 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D and the foursections 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D together comprise the frame 28 and the toolcarrier 32. A drive mechanism 34 is coupled to a periphery 35 of theframe 28 and includes a pair of pinion gears 40A, 40B respectivelycoupled with a pair of suitable drive motors 44A, 44B, such as an airmotor with suitable gear reduction means. The frame 28 is adapted tocouple and be fixed relative to a pipe, and the tool carrier 32 isrotatable relative to the fixed frame 28 and the pipe. The motors 44A,44B are adapted to rotate the tool carrier 32 relative to the frame 28through a gear train. The tool carrier 32 has a circular gear rack 56for meshing with the pinion gears 40A, 40B coupled to the motors 44A,44B. Therefore, it can be seen that drive motors 44A, 44B are adapted torotate tool carrier 32 relative to the frame 28 through a gear trainprovided by pinion gears 40A, 40B and circular gear rack 56 on the toolcarrier 32.

The rotatable tool carrier 32 includes one or more tool supports 48 (twotool supports 48 shown in the illustrated exemplary embodiment), whichsupport tools 52 for performing a cutting or machining operation on thepipe as the tools 52 rotate circumferentially about the pipe. The toolsupports 48 are coupled to the tool carrier 32 by a plurality offasteners 116. The machining operation performed by the tool(s) 52 mayform a straight edge perpendicular to a longitudinal extent of the pipe,a bevel on an end of the pipe that is transverse to the longitudinalextent and at an angle other than ninety degrees to the longitudinalextent of the pipe, or an edge of a pipe having any angle.

The apparatus 20 further includes a plurality of coupling members 68engageable with an exterior of the pipe and having suitableadjustability to couple and concentrically or axially locate theapparatus 20 to the exterior of the pipe. The coupling members 68 arealso positionable on the apparatus 20 to engage an interior of the pipeand are suitably adjustable to couple and concentrically or axiallylocate the apparatus 20 to the interior of the pipe. The couplingmembers 68 will be described in greater detail below.

Tool carrier 32 is rotatably mounted on and supported by frame 28 by aplurality of roller bearings 72. The roller bearings 72 ride in acircular bearing race 76 on the interior of tool carrier 32. Anexemplary race 76 and exemplary roller bearings 72 can be seen in FIGS.10, 16, and 17 and will be described in more detail below.

The apparatus 20 also includes an advancement mechanism 80 that isadjustable into and out of a path of an advancement member 84 coupled toeach tool support 48 to advance the tool 52 toward the pipe.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-3 and further reference to FIGS.4-8, the pipe machining apparatus 20 further includes a plurality ofset-up legs or support members 88. The support members 88 are utilizedduring assembly, set-up, or disassembly of the pipe machining apparatus20 or when the pipe machining apparatus 20 is not in use. The supportmembers 88 support the apparatus 20 in an elevated position relative tothe ground to inhibit components that project from the frame 28 and toolcarrier 32 from contacting the ground and being damaged. Additionally,the elevation provided by the support members 88 positions the apparatus20 in a more easily accessible and ergonomic position for assembly,set-up, and disassembly of the apparatus 20.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 20 includestwelve total support members 88 with each section 24A, 24B, 24C, 24Dincluding three support members 88. Alternatively, the apparatus 20 as awhole can include any number of support members 88 and, moreover, eachsection 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D may include any number of support members 88,and all of such possibilities are intended to be within the spirit andscope of the present disclosure.

With particular reference to FIGS. 5-8, the plurality of support members88 are substantially identical in structure and operation. Thus, onlyone of the support members 88 will be described herein in detail withthe understanding that the description and drawings included hereinapply to all of the support members 88 of the pipe machining apparatus20.

Each support member 88 includes a body 92, a coupling member 96, aresilient member 100, a pad 104, and an adjustable member 108. The body92 is generally cylindrical in shape and defines a cavity 112 therein(see FIG. 8). The coupling member 96 is also generally cylindrical inshape, is smaller in width/diameter than the body 92 to provide a lip orshoulder, and defines a longitudinal aperture 120 there through in fluidcommunication with the cavity 112. The coupling member 96 is positionedin the cavity 112 at a first end of the body 92 and is coupled to thebody 92 with a portion of the coupling member 96 projecting beyond thefirst end of the body 92. The coupling member 96 may couple to the body92 in a variety of different manners such as, for example, press-fit,interference-fit, friction-fit, welding, bonded, or any other manner ofcoupling. In other exemplary embodiments, the coupling member 96 may beunitarily formed as one-piece with the body 92. The portion of thecoupling member 96 extending beyond the body 92 is positioned within acorresponding aperture 124 defined in the frame 28 of the apparatus 20.The resilient member 100 is positioned within a groove 128 defined inthe coupling member 96 and projects slightly beyond a circumference ofthe coupling member 96. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, theresilient member 100 is an O-ring. Alternatively, the resilient member100 may be a wide variety of other members all of which are intended tobe within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The frameaperture 124, the coupling member 96, and the resilient member 100 areall cooperatively sized and configured to provide an airtight sealbetween the resilient member 100 and an inner surface of the frameaperture 124 and to provide sufficient friction between the resilientmember 100 and the inner surface of the frame aperture 124 to secure thesupport member 88 to the frame 28. A user must apply a desired amount offorce to the support member 88 in a direction away from the frame 28 andout of the aperture 124 to remove the support member 88 from the frameaperture 124. The body 92 defines an internal threading 132 at thesecond end thereof for threadably receiving an externally threadedportion 136 of the adjustable member 108. The adjustable member 108 maybe threaded into or out of the body 92 to adjust a length of the supportmember 88, thereby providing the capability to adjust a height of theapparatus 20 off of a ground surface. This height adjustability mayprovide the capability of ensuring the apparatus 20 is level orhorizontal on uneven ground. That is, the length of the plurality ofsupport members 88 may be individually adjusted to accommodate unevenground and overall ensure the apparatus 20 is level or horizontal. Theadjustable member 108 also includes a pad member 140 that is generallyspherical or hemispherical in shape and is received within a receptacle144 in the pad 104. The pad 104 is movable relative to the adjustablemember 108 about three axes (similar to a ball-and-socket coupling),thereby allowing the support member 88 to accommodate uneven ground andensure the support member 88 extends generally vertical while the pad104 may not be horizontal. The pad 104 is adapted to engage the groundand provides a relatively wide surface area of engagement to ensuresturdiness.

When inserting the coupling member 96 into the frame aperture 124, airpresent in the frame aperture 124 needs to be exhausted therefrom tomake room for the coupling member 96. The airtight seal created betweenthe resilient member 100 and the inner surface of the frame aperture 124does not allow air to exhaust from the frame aperture 124 around acircumference of the coupling member 96. If air is not allowed toexhaust from the frame aperture 124 when inserting the coupling member96 into the frame aperture 124, the pressure may rise in the aperture124 to a sufficient extent that may resist insertion of the couplingmember 96. The aperture 120 defined in the coupling member 96 is influid communication with the cavity 112 defined in the body 92. As thecoupling member 96 inserts into the frame aperture 124, the air exhaustsfrom the frame aperture 124 through the aperture 120 defined in thecoupling member 96 and into the cavity 112. The cavity 112 issufficiently sized to accommodate the air exhausting from the frameaperture 124 to ensure that the pressure does not rise to a sufficientlevel to resist insertion of the coupling member 96 into the aperture124. By the support member 88 accommodating the air within the frameaperture 124, complete insertion of the coupling member 96 into theframe aperture 124 is ensured.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 9, and 10, an exemplary coupling member 68is illustrated. As indicated above, the plurality of coupling members 68are adapted to couple the apparatus 20 to a pipe. In the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 9, and 10, the coupling members 68 arepositioned to couple the apparatus 20 to an exterior surface of a pipe.Alternatively, the coupling members 68 may be coupled to the frame 28 inreverse orientation to couple the apparatus 20 to an interior surface ofa pipe.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, a single coupling member 68 isillustrated. The coupling members 68 are substantially identical instructure and operation. Thus, only one of the coupling members 68 willbe described herein in detail with the understanding that thedescription and drawings included herein apply to all the couplingmembers 68 of the pipe machining apparatus 20.

The coupling member 68 is coupled to the frame 28 and extends through anopening 152 defined through the frame 28. Moreover, the longitudinalextent of the coupling member 68 is oriented radially to a central axis156 of the apparatus 20. The coupling member 68 includes a first supportmember 160, a second support member 164, a body member 168, a sleeve172, and a guide member 176. The first support member 160 is coupled tothe periphery or circumference 35 of the frame 28 via fasteners 180 anddefines a cavity 184 therein adapted to receive the body member 168therein. A first end of the body member 168 includes a projection 188captured between a shoulder 192 and a cap 196 of the first supportmember 160 to couple the first end of the body member 168 to the firstsupport member 160. The cap 196 is secured in place via a plurality offasteners 200. The first end of the body member 168 also includes a toolengagement member 204 adapted to be engaged by a tool for rotation ofthe body member 168. The second end of the body member 168 includesexternal threads 208 coupled with internal threads 212 defined in aninterior surface of the sleeve 172. A groove 216 is defined in an outersurface of the sleeve 172 and the guide member 176 is positioned withinthe groove 216 to allow translation of the sleeve 172 along the bodymember 168, but prevent rotation of the sleeve 172 relative to the frame28. The guide member 176 and the groove 216 are complementarily shapedto ensure a snug fit of the guide member 176 within the groove 216. Thissnug fit inhibits rotation of the sleeve 172 relative to the frame 28.The guide member 176 is rigidly secured to the frame 28 within anaperture 220 defined in the frame 28. In the illustrated exemplaryembodiment, the groove 216 has a “V” shape and the guide member 176 hasa complementary wedge shape that snuggly fits in the “V” shaped groove216. Alternatively, the groove 216 and the guide member 176 may haveother complementary shapes such as, for example, square, rectangular,other polygonal shapes, or any other configuration, as long as theinteraction between the groove 216 and the guide member 176 allowtranslation of the sleeve 172 along the body member 168 and preventrotation of the sleeve 172 relative to the frame 28. The sleeve 172 alsoincludes a foot member 224 at a second end of the sleeve 172. The footmember 224 is adapted to engage a surface of the pipe. The foot member224 is also adapted to couple to and support a pad (described in moredetail below with respect to FIGS. 30-32) engageable with a surface of apipe rather than the foot member 224 engaging a surface of the pipe. Thefoot member 224 and the pad may have a variety of different shapes andbe made of a wide variety of materials depending on the type and size ofpipe to which the apparatus 20 will be coupled.

The second support member 164 is coupled to an inner surface 244 of theframe 28 via fasteners 232 and defines a cavity 236 there through inwhich the sleeve 172 is positioned. An end 240 of the cavity 236 iscomplementary in size and shape to an outer circumference of the sleeve172 to provide lateral support to the sleeve 172. The engagement betweenthe second support member 164 and the sleeve 172 at the end 240 of thesecond support member 164 occurs a distance beyond the inner surface 244of the frame 28, thereby providing support to the sleeve 172 a greaterdistance from the frame 28. Without the second support member 164,lateral support of the sleeve 172 would stop at the inner surface 244 ofthe frame 28. Thus, the second support member 164 provides additionallateral support to the sleeve 172 and decreases the opportunity forbending or deformation of the sleeve 172 due to lateral forces.

The length of the coupling member 68 is adjustable to accommodatedifferent diameter pipes. To adjust the length of the coupling member68, a user engages a tool with the tool engagement member 204 of thebody member 168 and rotates the body member 168 in a desired directionto either shorten or lengthen the length of the coupling member 68.Rotation of the body member 168 causes the body member 168 to rotaterelative to the frame 28 and the first support member 160. The threadedcoupling between the body member 168 and the sleeve 172 causes thesleeve 172 to translate relative to the body member 168. The engagementbetween the guide member 176 and the groove 216 in the sleeve 172 allowsthe sleeve 172 to translate, but prevents the sleeve 172 from rotatingwith the body member 168 relative to the frame 28. Rotating the bodymember 168 in one direction causes the sleeve 172 to retract from a pipeand into the aperture 220 defined in the frame 28, and rotating the bodymember 168 in the other direction cause the sleeve 172 to extend towarda pipe and out of the aperture 220. Use of the second support member 164is desirable in instances where the apparatus 20 is coupled to smalldiameter pipes and the sleeve 172 projects a greater distance out of theaperture 220 from the frame 28 (as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10).

Referring now to FIG. 11, the apparatus 20 may couple to larger diameterpipes, which requires the sleeve 172 to extend a shorter distance out ofthe aperture 220 from the frame 28. In such instances, the secondsupport member 164 may not be required. The additional support providedby the second support member 164 may not be required when the sleeve 172extends a short distance from the inner surface 244 of the frame 28.Moreover, in some instances where the diameter of a pipe is very similarto a central opening of the apparatus 20 defined by inner surface 244 ofthe frame 28, the sleeve 172 may need to be retracted well into theaperture 220 in the frame 28. In such instances, the second supportmember 164 would prevent the sleeve 172 from retracting into theaperture 220 the necessary amount to accommodate such a large diameterpipe and therefore the second support member would not be used.

As indicated above, the coupling members 68 may be coupled to the frame28 in a reverse orientation or position to that illustrated in FIGS. 1,2, and 9-11 in order to couple the apparatus 20 to an inner surface of apipe. With reference to FIG. 12, an exemplary coupling member 68 iscoupled to the frame 28 in a reverse position in order to couple theapparatus 20 to an inner surface of the pipe. In this position, thefirst support member 160 is coupled to the inner surface 244 of theframe 28 and the sleeve 172 extends out of the aperture 220 and beyondthe circumference 35 of the frame 28 to position the foot member 224externally of the frame 28 for engagement with an inner surface of apipe. A second support member 164 is not illustrated in FIG. 12.However, a second support member 164 may be utilized with the couplingmember 68 in this position and would be coupled to the circumference 35of the frame 28. In this position, the length of the coupling member 68is adjusted in the same manner as previously described.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 13-15, a locking member 248 is illustratedfor preventing movement of the tool carrier 32 relative to the frame 28.It may be desirable to prevent the tool carrier 32 from moving relativeto the frame 28 during assembly, set-up, or disassembly of the apparatus20, and/or when the apparatus 20 is not in use. When the apparatus 20 isbeing assembled or disassembled, the apparatus 20 is in a plurality ofseparated sections 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D with open ends. The tool carrierportions included in each section may rotate relative to and slide outof the frame portions included in each section. It is desirable to havethe tool carrier portions and the frame portions remain together and notmove relative to each other during assembly of the sections 24A, 24B,24C, 24D. The locking member 248 prevents the tool carrier 32 frommoving relative to the frame 28. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment(see FIG. 1), two of the sections 24B, 24D include the locking member248. Alternatively, any number of the sections may include lockingmembers 248.

The locking member 248 is moveable between a locked position, in whichthe tool carrier 32 is prevented from moving relative to the frame 28,and an unlocked position, in which the tool carrier 32 is movablerelative to the frame 28. The apparatus 20 includes a first indicia 252indicating the location of the locked position and second indicia 256indicating the location of the unlocked position. The tool carrier 32defines a tool carrier aperture 260 near the first indicia 252 and theframe 28 defines a frame aperture 264. The apparatus 20 further includesan insert member 268 positioned between the frame 28 and the toolcarrier 32 that defines an insert aperture 272 there through. The insertmember 268 is fixed in position relative to the frame 28 and the insertaperture 272 always aligns with the frame aperture 264. The tool carrier32 is movable relative to the frame 28 and, therefore, the tool carrieraperture 260 is movable relative to the aligned insert aperture 272 andframe aperture 264. The frame aperture 264 includes a first portion 276having a first diameter and a second portion 280 having a seconddiameter larger than the first diameter. A shoulder 284 is provided at atransition from the first portion 276 to the second portion 280 of theframe aperture 264.

A wide variety of different types of locking members may be utilizedwith the apparatus 20 to prevent movement of the tool carrier 32relative to the frame 28 and all of such possibilities are intended tobe within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In theillustrated exemplary embodiment, the locking member 248 includes ahandle 288, a housing 292, a plunger 296, a biasing member, and a pairof movable projections 300. The handle 288 is positioned at one end ofthe housing 292, and the handle 288 and housing 292 together define alocking member cavity 304 in which the plunger 296 is positioned. Theplunger 296 is movable within the cavity 304 and biased toward thehandle end of the locking member 248 by the biasing member. A user maydepress the plunger 296 into the cavity 304 against the biasing force ofthe biasing member and the biasing member will return the plunger 296outward to its pre-depressed position. A second end of the plunger 296is positioned between the two projections 300 captured in openingsdefined in a second end of the housing 292. The projections 300 aremovable relative to the housing 292 within the openings. The second endof the plunger 296 includes a first portion having a first width ordiameter and a second portion having a second width or diameter lessthan the first width or diameter. When the plunger 296 is not depressed,the first portion of the plunger 296 is aligned with the projections 300and the projections 300 are biased outward of the openings. When theplunger 296 is depressed, the second portion of the plunger 296 isaligned with the projections 300 and the projections 300 are capable ofmoving into the openings toward a center of the housing 292. The secondwidth or diameter limits the extent to which the projections 300 maymove inward.

To position the locking member 248 and the apparatus 20 in the lockedposition, the tool carrier aperture 260 is aligned with the alreadyaligned frame and insert apertures 264, 272, and the locking member 248is inserted into the aligned apertures 260, 264, 272. In some exemplaryembodiments, the plunger 296 may need to be depressed to allow theprojections 300 to move inward into the housing 292 to enable thelocking member 248 to pass all the way into the aligned apertures 260,264, 272. In such exemplary embodiments, the projections 300 extendsufficiently beyond the housing 292 to prevent the locking member 248from inserting all the way into the apertures 260, 264, 272 and failureto depress the plunger 296 will maintain the projections 300 in theextended position. Once the locking member 248 is fully inserted intothe aligned apertures 260, 264, 272 and the projections 300 arepositioned in the second portion 280 of the frame aperture 264, theprojections 300 may move outward to their extended position. With theplunger 296 in its non-depressed position, the first portion of theplunger 296 is aligned with the projections 300 and the projections 300are biased outward of the openings. In this position, the projections300 prevent the locking member 248 from being removed from the alignedapertures 260, 264, 272. Any effort to pull the locking member 248 outof the aligned apertures 260, 264, 272 will cause the projections 300 toengage the shoulder 284, which will prevent any further withdrawal ofthe locking member 248 from the aligned apertures 260, 264, 272. Thelocking member 248 and apparatus 20 are now in the locked position.

To move the locking member 248 and the apparatus 20 from the lockedposition to the unlocked position, a user depresses the plunger 296 toalign the second portion of the plunger 296 with the projections 300,thereby allowing the projections 300 to move into the openings toward acenter of the housing 292. The user then pulls on the locking member 248in a direction out of the aligned apertures 260, 264, 272 which causesthe projections 300 to engage the shoulder 284 and the shoulder 284moves the projections 300 into the openings defined in the housing 292.The user is able to completely withdraw the locking member 248 from thealigned apertures 260, 264, 272 with the projections 300 in their inwardor retracted positions. With the locking member 248 completely withdrawnfrom the aligned apertures 260, 264, 272, the locking member 248 andapparatus 20 are now in the unlocked position.

The apparatus 20 also includes a storage position for the locking member248 when it is not in use. The storage position is near the secondindicia 256 and is defined by a storage aperture 308 defined in theframe 28. The storage aperture 308 includes a first portion 312 having afirst width or diameter and a second portion 316 having a second widthor diameter larger than the first width or diameter. A shoulder 320 isprovided at the transition from the first portion 312 and the secondportion 316 of the storage aperture 308. The locking member 248 may beinserted into the storage aperture 308 in the same manner as it wasinserted into the aligned apertures 260, 264, 272 at the lockingposition. When the locking member 248 is completely positioned in thestorage aperture 308 and the projections 300 are in the second portion316 of the storage aperture 308, the plunger 296 may be released and theprojections 300 are biased outward of the openings. The locking member248 is now in the storage position and cannot be removed unless a userdepresses the plunger 296.

In some exemplary embodiments, the insert aperture 272 has a sizetolerance that is tighter or closer to the size of the locking memberhousing 292 than the tool carrier aperture 260 and the frame aperture264. In this manner, the tool carrier aperture 260 and the frameaperture 264 may be slightly looser around the locking member housing292 than the insert aperture 272, and significant time and cost toprovide a tightly toleranced tool carrier aperture 260 and frameaperture 264 are avoided. With the insert aperture 272 tightlytoleranced to the locking member housing 292, the insert member 268 willprovide lateral support to the locking member 248. It is generally moretime efficient and cost effective to tightly tolerance the insertaperture 272 than the tool carrier aperture 260 and the frame aperture264.

Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17, an exemplary roller bearing 72 of theapparatus 20 is illustrated. The apparatus 20 includes a plurality ofthe roller bearings 72, but only one is illustrated herein since theroller bearings 72 are substantially identical in structure andoperation.

Each roller bearing 72 includes a spindle 324, a roller 328, and a pairof bearing assemblies 332 between the spindle 324 and the roller 328. Inoperation, the spindle 324 is orientated generally horizontal. Thespindle 324 is coupled to the tool carrier 32 and the roller 328 ispositioned within the raceway 76 to engage the frame 28. In theillustrated exemplary embodiment, the roller 328 is a “V” type roller328 including two angled surfaces 336 and a peak or vertex 340 where thetwo angled surfaces 336 converge. A cavity 344 is defined between theroller 328 and the spindle 324, and the two bearing assemblies 332 arepositioned within the cavity 344. The bearing assemblies 332 facilitatesmooth movement of the roller 328 around the spindle 324.

The spindle 324 also defines a lubricant cavity 348 therein. Thelubricant cavity 348 is defined in a first end 352 of the spindle 324,extends a substantial amount through the spindle 324 toward a second end356 of the spindle 324, and stops short of the second end 356. Apressure relieve vent or plug 358 is positioned in the lubricant cavity348 to seal the lubricant cavity 348 when desired and to vent excesspressure when necessary. The lubricant cavity 348 is parallel to and iscentrally located in the spindle 324 about a central longitudinal axis360. The lubricant cavity 348 is generally cylindrical in shape andincludes a first portion 364 having a first diameter, a second portion368 having a second diameter less than the first diameter, a thirdportion 372 having a third diameter less than the first and seconddiameters, and a fourth portion 376 having a forth diameter less thanthe first, second, and third diameters. The fourth portion 376 ispositioned near the second end 356 of the lubricant cavity 348 andextends generally perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 360 ofthe spindle 324. The fourth portion 376 is defined in a side surface 380of the spindle 324 and is in fluid communication with the cavity 344between the spindle 324 and the roller 328.

The configuration of the lubricant cavity 348 illustrated herein ismerely an exemplary configuration and the lubricant cavity 348 iscapable of having a wide variety of different configurations, with allof such possibilities intended to be within the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure. For example, the lubricant cavity 348 may includeany number of portions (including one portion) having any sizediameters. Also, for example, the lubricant cavity 348 can havedifferent shapes other than cylindrical (which has a circularcross-sectional shape) including, but not limited to, a squarecross-sectional shape, triangular cross-sectional shape, ovalcross-sectional shape, or any other polygonal or arcuately perimeteredcross-sectional shape.

With particular reference to FIG. 17, the pressure relief vent 358 isremoved and lubricant is injected into the lubricant cavity 348 at thefirst end 352 of the spindle 324 and the lubricant flows into thelubricant cavity 348, as depicted by arrows 384. A desired amount oflubricant is introduced into the lubricant cavity 348 to provide theroller bearing 72 with sufficient lubrication. The fourth portion 376 ofthe lubricant cavity 348 facilitates lubricant flow into the cavity 344defined between the spindle 324 and the roller 328, which allows thebearing assemblies 332 to be lubricated. An overflow aperture 386 isdefined in the spindle 324 to allow excess lubricant to flow therethrough, as depicted by arrow 387, out of the cavity 348. The overflowaperture 386 is in fluid communication with the cavity 348. In someexemplary embodiments, it may be desirable to only partially fill thelubricant cavity 348. For example, it may be desirable to fill thelubricant cavity 348 approximately half way. After the lubricant cavity348 is sufficiently filled, the pressure relief vent 358 is insertedinto the lubricant cavity 348.

Referring now to FIGS. 18-20, an exemplary support member 388 of theapparatus 20 is illustrated. The apparatus 20 includes a plurality ofsupport members 388 coupled to a perimeter or circumference 35 of theframe 28. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 20includes eight total support members 388 with two support members 388coupled to each section 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D. In other exemplaryembodiments, the apparatus 20 may, as a whole, include any number ofsupport members 388 and may include any number of support members oneach section 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D. The support members 388 aresubstantially identical in structure and operation. Thus, only one ofthe support members 388 will be described herein in detail with theunderstanding that the description and drawings included herein apply toall of the support members 388 of the pipe machining apparatus 20.

Each support member 388 is rigidly coupled to the frame 28 with a pairof fasteners 392. The support member 388 includes a first flange 396defining a first aperture 400 there through and a second flange 404defining a second aperture 408 there through. The first flange 396 andthe second flange 404 are generally perpendicular to each other. Thefirst flange 396 is generally parallel to a front surface 412 of thetool carrier 32 and generally perpendicular to the central axis 156 ofthe apparatus 20. The second flange 404 is generally perpendicular tothe front surface 412 of the tool carrier 32 and extends parallel to thecentral axis 156 of the apparatus 20.

As indicated above, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, eachsection 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D includes two support members 388. The supportmembers 388 on each section are generally mirror images of each otherabout a vertical plane extending along the central axis 156. The supportmembers 388 are used during assembly, set-up, disassembly, andmanipulation of the apparatus 20. The support members 388 provide muchflexibility and make it easier when assembling, setting-up,disassembling, and manipulating the apparatus 20. The apparatus 20 andcomponents thereof may be lifted and manipulated with a variety ofdifferent types of powered lifting mechanisms. Moreover, a variety ofdifferent types of hardware may be used between the apparatus 20 and thelifting mechanisms to couple the apparatus 20 to the lifting mechanisms.The exemplary lifting mechanisms and hardware described and illustratedherein are not intended to be limiting upon the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 21-25, exemplary uses of the support members 388during assembly, set-up, disassembly, and manipulation of the apparatus20 will be described and illustrated.

With particular reference to FIG. 21, a single section 24A of theapparatus 20 is illustrated and is shown being lifted in a verticalposition. Exemplary hardware for coupling the section 24 to a liftingmechanism is illustrated and is not intended to be limiting. Theexemplary hardware includes a pair of coupling members 416 coupled tothe first flanges 396 of the support members 388. The support members388 are appropriately positioned on the section 24A to position a centerof gravity of the section 24A equidistantly between the support members388 to ensure the section 24A is lifted in a level manner as illustratedin FIG. 21.

Referring now to FIG. 22, the support members 388 also provide thecapability of lifting the apparatus 20 and components thereof inhorizontal positions as well as vertical positions. FIG. 22 illustratesa single section 24A of the apparatus 20 being lifted in a horizontalposition. Exemplary hardware for coupling the section 24A to a liftingmechanism is illustrated and is not intended to be limiting. Theexemplary hardware includes two coupling members 416 coupled to thesecond flanges 404 of the support members 388 and one of the couplingmembers 416 coupled to the coupling member 68. The support members 388and coupling member 68 are positioned on the section 24A toappropriately position a center of gravity of the section 24A to ensurethe section 24A is lifted in a level manner as illustrated in FIG. 22.

With particular reference to FIG. 23, two coupled together sections 24A,24B of the apparatus 20 are illustrated and are shown being lifted in avertical position. Exemplary hardware for coupling the two sections 24A,24B to a lifting mechanism is illustrated and is not intended to belimiting. The exemplary hardware includes a pair of coupling members 416with one coupling member 416 coupled to a first flange 396 of one of thesupport members 388 on the first section 24A and the other couplingmember 416 is coupled to a first flange 396 of one of the supportmembers 388 on the second section 24A. The support members 388 areappropriately positioned on the sections 24A, 24B to position a centerof gravity of the coupled together sections 24A, 24B equidistantlybetween the support members 388 to ensure the sections 24A, 24B arelifted in a level manner as illustrated in FIG. 23.

Referring now to FIG. 24, two coupled together sections 24A, 24B of theapparatus 20 are illustrated and are shown being lifted in a horizontalposition. Exemplary hardware for coupling the two sections 24A, 24B to alifting mechanism is illustrated and is not intended to be limiting. Theexemplary hardware includes three coupling members 416 with two of thecoupling members 416 coupled to the second flanges 404 of the supportmembers 388 on the first section 24A, and the third coupling member 416coupled to the second flange 404 of one of the support members 388 onthe second section 24B. A winch or a come-along 420 is also illustratedin FIG. 24. The support members 388 are appropriately positioned on thetwo sections 24A, 24B to appropriately position a center of gravity ofthe coupled together sections 24A, 24B to ensure the two sections 24A,24B are lifted in a level manner as illustrated in FIG. 24.

Referring now to FIG. 25, a completely assembled apparatus 20 isillustrated including four coupled together sections 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D.The apparatus 20 is shown being lifted in a horizontal position.Exemplary hardware for coupling the apparatus 20 to a lifting mechanismis illustrated and is not intended to be limiting. The exemplaryhardware includes four coupling members 416 with the coupling members416 coupled to second flanges 404 of four of the support members 388 onthe apparatus 20. The coupling members 416 are coupled to one of thesupport members 388 on each section 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D. The supportmembers 388 are appropriately positioned on the four sections 24A, 24B,24C, 24D to appropriately position a center of gravity of the coupledtogether sections 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D to ensure the apparatus 20 islifted in a level manner as illustrated in FIG. 25.

It should be understood that one or more sections of the apparatus 20 orthe entire assembled apparatus 20 may be lifted in a variety of mannersand orientations using the support members 388, and that those mannersand orientations described above and illustrated are only exemplary andare not intended to be limiting. Any and all possibilities of using thesupport members 388 for lifting one or more sections or the entireassembled apparatus 20 are intended to be within the spirit and scope ofthe present disclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, and 26-29, the apparatus 20 includes ahinge 424 adapted to assist with positioning the apparatus 20 around apipe. The hinge 424 includes a lever 428, an arm member 432 (thattogether act as a two way ratchet member), a pair of upright flangemembers 436, and a pair of lateral flange members 440. The lever 428 iscoupled to the arm member 432 and the arm member 432 includes a housing444 and a pair of telescoping coupling arms 448 positioned and movablewithin a cavity 452 defined in the housing 444. Distal ends of thecoupling arms 448 include apertures 456 there through aligned withapertures 460 defined in the upright flange members 436 and each set ofaligned apertures 456, 460 are adapted to receive a fastener or couplingpin 464 there through to couple the arm member 432 to an upper end ofthe upright flange members 436. The coupling pin 464 allows rotationbetween the upright members 436 and the arm member 432 about thecoupling pin 464. The lever 428 can be ratcheted in a first direction topull the arms 448 inward, thereby shortening the arms 448, or may beratcheted in a second direction to push the arms 448 outward, therebylengthening the arms 448.

The upright flange members 436 also include apertures 468 there throughthat are aligned with apertures 472 defined in corresponding ends of thelateral flange members 440. Coupling pins 476 are positioned in each setof aligned apertures 468, 472 to couple the upright flange members 436to the lateral flange members 440. A further coupling pin 480 ispositioned in aligned apertures in overlapping ends of the two lateralflange members 440. The two lateral flange members 440 are rotatablerelative to each other about the coupling pin 480. The two lateralflange members 440 are each respectively coupled to the frame 28 with apair of fasteners 484, 488. Fasteners 484 pass through round aperturesdefined in the respective lateral flange member 440 that are similarshaped to the diameter of the fasteners 484. Fasteners 488 pass throughelongated slots 489 defined in the respective lateral flange member 440.The fasteners 488 may be unthreaded to uncouple the respective lateralflange member 440 from the frame 28 (described in more detail below).

As indicated above, the hinge 424 assists with coupling the apparatus 20around a pipe. The hinge 424 allows a completely assembled apparatus 20to split in half and open about the hinge 424 (see FIG. 28). Withparticular reference to FIG. 26, the hinge 424 is shown in a firstposition, in which the apparatus 20 is in a closed position, bothlateral flange members 440 are coupled to the frame 28 with thefasteners 484, 488, the telescoping coupling arms 448 are extendedoutward, the upright flange members 436 are generally vertical, and thelateral flange members 440 are generally horizontal.

With reference to FIG. 27, to begin opening the apparatus 20, thelateral flange member 440 associated with fasteners 488 is uncoupledfrom the frame 28 by loosening the associated two fasteners 488.

Referring now to FIGS. 28 and 29, a lifting mechanism or some otherappropriate drive mechanism is coupled to two of the support members 388as shown in FIG. 28 to provide additional vertical support. After thelateral flange member 440 is uncoupled from the frame 28, a couplingmechanism 490 (such as, for example, coupling mechanisms disclosed inU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/750,447, filed Jan. 9, 2013,and any non-provisional U.S. patent applications claiming priority tothis provisional patent application, the entire contents of all of whichare incorporated herein by reference) is utilized to initiate separationand hinging of the two halves. The fasteners 488 move within the slots489 as the two halves move apart due to the coupling mechanism 490.Then, the two fasteners 488 are tightened to recouple the lateral flangemember 440 to the frame 28. The lever 428 is then ratcheted in a firstdirection to pull the arms 448 inward and cause the two halves to spiltapart. The two lateral flange arms 440 rotate relative to each otherabout the coupling pin 480. The lever 428 continues to be ratcheteduntil the two halves are separated a desired amount. The hinge 424allows proper separation of the two halves of the apparatus 20 andmaintains upper ends of the two halves close together and in a properposition for recoupling the two ends together.

With particular reference to FIG. 28, the apparatus 20 is separatedsufficiently to allow positioning of the apparatus 20 around a pipe. Tocouple the two halves of the apparatus 20 back together, a ratchetswitch is switched on the lever to allow the lever 428 to ratchet in theopposite direction. The lever 428 is ratcheted in the oppositedirection, thereby pushing the arms 448 outward and rotating the lateralflange members 440 back down toward their horizontal position. As theends approach each other, the fasteners 488 are again unthreaded touncouple the respective lateral flange member 440 from the frame 28. Thecoupling mechanism 490 is used to move the ends of the two halves backtogether, thereby causing the fasteners 488 to move within the slots489. When the ends of the two halves are reengaged, the fasteners 488are tightened again. This process may be repeated as needed toselectively couple and uncouple the apparatus 20 around a pipe.

Referring now to FIGS. 30-32, an exemplary pad 493 is illustratedcoupled to a sleeve 172 of a coupling member 68. The pad 493 is adaptedto engage a surface of a pipe and assist with coupling the pipemachining apparatus 20 to a pipe. The pipe machining apparatus 20includes a plurality of coupling members 68, all of which are adapted toinclude the pad 493. Thus, only one of the coupling members 68 and pads493 will be illustrated and described herein.

The pad 493 includes a housing 494, an adjustment member 495, a pair ofwashers 496, a cap 497, a pair of cap fasteners 498, and an engagementmember 499. The housing 494 is coupled to an end of the sleeve 172, anddefines a first aperture 500, in which the adjustment member 495 ispositioned, and a cavity 501 adapted to receive the engagement member499. The adjustment member 495 includes external threads 502 received inan engagement member cavity 503 including internal threads 504complementary to the external threads 502 on the adjustment member 495.One washer 496 is positioned above a head of the adjustment member 495and one washer 496 is positioned below the head of the adjustment member495. The housing 494 also defines second and third apertures 505, 506adapted to receive the cap fasteners 498 for coupling the cap 497 to thehousing 494. The cap 497 includes a pair of coupling apertures 507aligned with the second and third apertures 505, 506 in the housing 494for receiving the cap fasteners 498. The cap 497 also defines a toolengagement 508 aligned with the head of the adjustment member 495 toallow a tool to access and rotate the adjustment member 495 when the cap497 is coupled to the housing 494. Rotation of the adjustment member 495causes the engagement member 499 to translate along the adjustmentmember 495. Rotation of the adjustment member 495 in a first directionmoves the engagement member 499 in a first direction and rotation of theadjustment member 495 in a second direction moves the engagement member499 in a second direction. Adjusting the engagement member 499 assistswith positioning the machine axially relative to the pipe.

The components and resulting functionalities of the pipe machiningapparatus included herein are adapted to be included in any size pipemachining apparatus to machine any size pipe and operate in the samemanner, thereby providing a modularity capability to the presentdisclosure. That is, for example, whether the pipe machining apparatusis adapted to cut pipes of 60 inches or 120 inches, the support membersor set-up legs, the coupling members for coupling to an inner or outersurface of a pipe, the locking member, roller bearing lubricationfeatures, the support members used for lifting the pipe machiningapparatus, the manners of lifting, assembling, and manipulating thesections of the apparatus, the hinge, etc., are all adapted to beincluded in any possible size pipe machining apparatus and operate inthe same manner.

It should be understood that the use of any orientation or directionalterms herein such as, for example, “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “rear”,“back”, “left”, “right”, “side”, etc., is not intended to imply only asingle orientation of the item with which it is associated or to limitthe present disclosure in any manner. The use of such orientation ordirectional terms is intended to assist with the understanding ofprinciples disclosed herein and to correspond to the exemplaryorientation illustrated in the drawings. For example, the pipe machiningapparatus may be utilized in any orientation and use of such terms isintended to correspond to the exemplary orientation of the pipemachining apparatus illustrated in the drawings. The use of these termsin association with the pipe machining apparatus is not intended tolimit the pipe machining apparatus to a single orientation or to limitthe pipe machining apparatus in any manner.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader toquickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It issubmitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpretor limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in theforegoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features aregrouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamliningthe disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require morefeatures than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than allfeatures of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claimsare hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claimstanding on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

While various embodiments of the disclosure have been described, it willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodimentsand implementations are possible within the scope of the disclosure.Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be restricted except in light ofthe attached claims and their equivalents.

1. A pipe machining apparatus comprising: a frame adapted to be coupledto and fixed relative to a pipe; a tool carrier coupled to and moveablerelative to the frame and the pipe; and a support member coupled to theframe, the support member including a first flange defining a firstaperture therein and a second flange defining a second aperture therein,wherein the support member is adapted to be coupled to a liftingmechanism to lift the pipe machining apparatus.
 2. The pipe machiningapparatus of claim 1, wherein the first flange is substantially parallelto a front surface of the tool carrier and wherein the second flange issubstantially perpendicular to the first flange.
 3. The pipe machiningapparatus of claim 1, wherein the support member is a first supportmember, the pipe machining apparatus further comprising a second supportmember coupled to the frame, the second support member including a firstflange defining a first aperture therein and a second flange defining asecond aperture therein, wherein the first and second support membersare adapted to be simultaneously coupled to a lifting mechanism to liftthe pipe machining apparatus.
 4. The pipe machining apparatus of claim3, wherein the first and second support members facilitate lifting ofthe pipe machining apparatus in both a generally vertical position andin a generally horizontal position.
 5. The pipe machining apparatus ofclaim 3, further comprising: a first section including a first portionof the frame and a first portion of the tool carrier; and a secondsection including a second portion of the frame and a second portion ofthe tool carrier, wherein the first section and the second section areadapted to be coupled together around at least a portion of a pipe. 6.The pipe machining apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first and secondsupport members are coupled to the first section.
 7. The pipe machiningapparatus of claim 5, wherein the first support member is coupled to thefirst section and the second support member is coupled to the secondsection.